A Tree Roerich, 1944

Preface
Mankind has a special connection with trees. Images of the relation between
mankind and trees are seen throughout history. The tree features prominently in
mystical documents like for example the Qabalistic Tree of Life, and the
legendary Yggdrasil two of many examples of the tree as a holy symbol. The
tree could be seen as a symbol for the source of life, and the trunk of the tree
symbolizes the sacred vertical passage way that connects this world with the
divine. The trunk and its branches symbolize the ladder and the cosmic axis,
which runs from the most elemental form of matter at the root of the tree, to the
most volatile and ethereal realms at the top. But frst and foremost, the tree is
appreciated in the here and now of our lives: the beauty of our forests and the
vigour, stillness, strength and the power of sanctuary trees offer.
The tree has a special signifcance in relation to alchemy, both in the feld of inner
work and laboratory alchemy. This is one of the reasons why Inner Garden placed
the tree at the center of its logo when the group was founded in 2010. In
addition, the tree is a beautiful symbol of our oneness. Our collective
understanding and values have roots in many places, but eventualy we are all one,
united in a single stem, expressing ourselves in multifarous forms of leaves and
fruits. Every leaf is like a page in a book of wisdom, or a thought in the branches
of our mind. In this fgure of speech, life is like a leaf on a tree, and we attempt to

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share the way we have fltered the light, bound the light, and the way we orient
ourselves towards the light.
- Moreh -

Activities 2014
In 2014 we welcomed and installed a new supervising Guide for the inner work
of Vision Quest: Br. Ib Iluemah. Ib Iluemah is a professional with a
traditional training from a reputable university: he has been employed in the
profession of psychology and counselling for over 15 years. He has a Masters
degree in psychotherapy, and has undertaken graduate work in hypnosis, mental
health, and addictions. Br. JML is the frst student to pass the demanding 1 st
work of Vision Quest, and has now proceeded to the 2 nd work.

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The Inner Garden website has been expanded with a collection of striking
alchemical images (thanks to Br. Crescere):

Make sure to check out our expanded collection of articles as well:

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The article contributed by Br. Hydrargyrum On Man and Trees comes

highly recommended, as does Br. Ibn Hamdas article on Non-alcoholic
spagyrics. The latter presents modifed alchemical processes to avoid the use of
alcohol. This results in herbal preparations that appeal to a wider range of
audience, be it Muslims or those who abstain from alcohol for medicinal or
addiction recovery issues.
Br. Ethekarius has translated all works of the Hlios-Adam group from
French into English, for study of the cinnabar path. Most notable contribution to
the Partner section is Br. Ibn Hamdas note titled Through the eyes of a
familiar. This note gives detailed instructions on how to establish a psychic
bond with a living animal with whom one has an affnity, which allows the sharing
of consciousness. The purpose of this practice is not to spy on others and peer
into hidden rooms (although it is certainly a common use historically and even
today), but to develop a keen and practical understanding of the foundation of all
mystical practices in all ages and of all nations. An understanding of the Unity of
all Life, through the mediating agency of Consciousness.
In cooperation with Andrew Mason, a Rasa Shastra workshop was planned in
the summer of 2014, in the centre of Utrecht. The aim of this frst Rasa Shastra
Workshop was to introduce the concepts of alchemical medicines and how they
align themselves with the greater science of yurveda.

It was not easy to get a group together, because members of Inner Garden are
spread out in the four corners of the world. Only a couple of members come from
the Netherlands. We plan on organizing a Rasa workshop again in the foreseeable
future, most likely in combination with public advertising.

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Partners

In 2014, the Foundation received about 20 applications for candidate

membership, of which 10 students have been admitted. Br. Hydrargyrum and Br.
Ib Iluemah have been admitted as Partners.

Annual Account
A copy of our Balance Sheet is available on request for donors to the
foundation. We would like to thank all donors and all those who contributed their
time and effort in transcribing, translating and compiling research notes and
lessons.

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